Gabe on a roll and action from Kenyan trials

Gabe continued to roll back the years with another well judged run in the semis of the US trials. With only 5 of the finalists having the Olympic qualifying time of 3:36.80 it should be a fast race. 3 rounds in 4 days will take its toll and as the only sub 2.20 marathon guy in the field Gabe should certainly be strong !

On the other side of the world Kenya staged its 'one day olympics' at Nairobi's Nyayo Stadium. Employing a similar sudden death system as America there were a few surprises. 800m star David Rudisha who had been tearing up tracks all over Europe this year was injured and didn't start. He wasn't selected and the much anticipated match up in Beijing with Sudanese stud Kaki will be delayed for another year.

In a tasty steeplechase race Sydney Olympic Champion Reuben Kosgei could only manage 8th as the first 3 home ran 8:13 with 4th placed Paul Koech the unlucky man to miss out on the team for Beijing.

1. Ezekiel Kemboi, 8:13.56
2. Brimin Kipruto, 8:13.60
3. Richard Matelong, 8:13.89
4. Paul Kipsiele Koech, 8:13.98

Elsewhere races went to form with Pamela Jelimo dominating the 800m, Edwin Soi the 5000m and Augustine Choge the 1500m. The marathon teams were announced earlier after the London Marathon.

Selected Men

800m
1. Wilfred Bungei
2. Boaz Lalang
3. Alfred Kirwa

1500m
1. Augustine Choge
2. Asbel Kiprop
3. Nicholas Kemboi

5000m
1. Edwin Soi
2. Eliud Kipchoge
3. Thomas Longosiwa

10,000m
1. Moses Masai
2. Martin Mathathi
3. Micah Kogo

3000m Steeplechase
1. Ezekiel Kemboi
2. Brimin Kipruto
3. Richard Matelong

Full Kenyan Olympic Team

Recharging the batteries

After Torbay I put my feet up for a few days to make sure I was fully recovered. Its as much a mental as physical thing. Just switch off from running, focus on other stuff that needs attention and then come back recharged. It doesn't take long and is probably the most underestimtated component of most training programs !

This week i've eased back into things and I'm really looking forward to heading for the swiss alps next week to put in a block of aerobic work at altitude before moving into more specific marathon pace work in august. More on my marathon plans and training as I get nearer the race. Can't wait !

On the other side of the world the US Olympic Trials are in full swing. It was great to see my old friend Gabe Jennings win his 1500m heat last night and fingers crossed he can repeat his 2000 performance when he ran away with the final to get to Sydney. The US trials are such compelling viewing because of the winner takes all rules. First 3 in the final with qualifying time are on the plane. No if, buts or selectors opinions. Black and white. And that makes box office.

Here there have been plenty of encouraging performances from our athletes in the run up to our trials though the big news seems to be off the track yet again with Dwain Chambers going to court to try and overturn the BOA ban on convicted drug cheats representing GB & NI at the Olympics. I have little sympathy. He knew the rules and chose to cheat so he must live with the consequences of his decisions.

Now, where's my passport and SPF25 ?